How to Reduce Collagen Buildup

Tammy DahlvangUpdated February 21, 2017

Under ordinary circumstances, collagen production is beneficial. Collagen functions as the "glue" that holds the connective tissue under your skin together. Collagen keeps your skin looking youthful and firm, preventing the formation of frown lines, "crow's feet" and smile lines on your face. However, if your skin becomes damaged, collagen can build up around the injured area. Scars and stretch marks are composed of excess collagen fibres. Using massage to reduce collagen build-up around areas that are injured will usually help to prevent unsightly collagen build-up.

Seek medical advice to reduce or even prevent undesirable collagen build-up in a wound area. Researchers are developing drugs that use collagenase, an enzyme produced naturally by your body, to break down undesirable collagen in wounds.

Wait until the scabs fall off of your injury, if you are trying to prevent collagen build-up from forming a large amount of scar tissue. If you're trying to minimise stretch mark formation, begin this massage routine immediately.

Apply lotion to your hands. You may want to ask your doctor if she recommends a specific brand or type.

Use the soft tips of your fingers to carefully rub the wounded or stretched area and the surrounding skin. In the beginning, use soft pressure, but as the wound heals, increase the pressure that you apply.

Use a tiny circular motion as you rub your fingers up and down the length of the scar or stretch mark and surrounding skin.

Use two fingers from one hand and two from the other to move along the scar or stretch mark line, pushing up with the fingers of your right hand and pulling down with the left, then pulling down with the left two fingers and pushing up with the right. This creates a kind of see-sawing motion with your hands. Repeat until you have made your way down the length of the scar or stretch mark.

Roll the scar line or stretch mark gently between your thumb and index finger, working down the length of the line.

Warning

Do not massage your skin hard enough to experience discomfort. This should be enjoyable and relaxing.

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About the Author

Tammy Dahlvang began writing professionally in 1997. She has contributed "Across the Pastor's Desk" articles to the "Albert Lea Tribune" in Albert Lea, Minn. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Northwestern University in 1993, and in 1997 earned a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.